At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives and support organisational change in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to transforming education and innovation in Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a secure pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours and professional development opportunities await you!
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR while making a real impact on people's lives.
- Qualifications: Proven HR experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 66924 - 78930 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 5 July 2026
Department: Corporate Services
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Edinburgh - Hybrid
Compensation: Grade M1 £66,924 - £78,930. Civil Service Pension with Employer Contribution of 28.97%. Flexible Working Hours. Hybrid Working.
Our ambition is for Scotland to be the best place in the world to learn, educate, research and innovate, so that all of our nation can flourish. Our purpose is to create and sustain a world-leading system of tertiary education, research and innovation that changes lives for the better, enriches society and supports sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The purpose of the role is to lead the design, implementation and ongoing delivery of a modern HR business partnering and advisory model and support organisational change and transformation across our Directorate teams. The postholder will play a significant role as we evolve our HR service to support significant transformation, including the TUPE transfer of a large group of employees from Skills Development Scotland in April 2027 as part of the public services reform agenda. This is an exciting time to join the organisation as an HR professional and play an important role in shaping the future design, ways of working and culture of the new organisation.
Virtual interviews will take place on 13 July (via teams).
Key Responsibilities- Reporting to the Deputy Director, lead the design, implementation and ongoing delivery of a modern HR business partnering and advisory model aligned to SFC’s corporate strategy, values and objectives.
- Lead the HR business partnering team to provide a service of trusted support to Directors, senior leaders and managers: offering expert and evidence-based advice support and guidance on all aspects of people management, organisational development, performance and workforce planning.
- Lead the HR business partnering team to provide professional advice as required on employee relations matters, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, taking account of advice and support from other HR team leads where appropriate, and ensuring consistency with SFC’s established policies and legal obligations.
- Partner with Directors and their leadership teams to drive and support systemic organisational change initiatives, in collaboration with colleagues from within the People & Transformation team and the wider Corporate Services directorate.
- Build effective working relationships across the organisation, representing SFC’s interests and values in all interactions.
- Role-model an adaptable approach to prioritisation to enable delivery and to support individuals and teams to find solutions in the context of shifting needs and demands.
It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria:
ESSENTIAL SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE- Proven track record of effective delivery in a senior HR business partner role, ideally within the public sector or an organisation going through significant change.
- Demonstrable track record of designing and implementing HR business partnering models.
- Good working knowledge and understanding of employment law, HR best practice, and current trends in people management.
- Experience of leading HR teams in the context of organisational change with a proactive, solutions-oriented and innovative approach.
- Partnering and seeking the involvement of others and maintaining effective communications.
- Commitment to role-model the organisation’s values and foster an environment which supports inclusion and belonging.
- Working cohesively and collaboratively with senior leaders and their teams to do the same.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels of the organisation.
- Ability to take an analytical approach, with experience in using data and management information to inform decisions and measure success.
- Relevant professional body qualification (e.g. Chartered membership of CIPD) or equivalent relevant experience.
Normal full-time hours of work are 35 per week. We will consider flexible working arrangements. A flexi-time system is in operation. Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro-rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro-rata. A flexible approach to hybrid working, giving you flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time while also maintaining regular in-person contact with colleagues.
Annual pay review: approved within the framework of the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy and negotiated with our recognised trade union, Unite. Salaries are reviewed annually in April for employees who commence employment prior to 1 October in the preceding year.
Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme. With its low member contribution rates and generous employer contributions, this gives you a secure, inflation-proof pension for life with no investment uncertainty. Details of contribution rates together with further details of the pension benefits are available on the Civil Service Pensions website. There is also the option of a Partnership pension account.
Support for continuous professional development: as a part of SFC, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for continuous learning and professional development. Civil Service-Learning curriculum has thoughtfully designed to cater to various learning preferences, allowing employees to engage in a manner that best suits their needs. All our educational resources are conveniently accessible through the CSL website.
Support for health and wellbeing, including generous occupational sick pay, free access to confidential advice and support through our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, Special Leave (paid and unpaid), a contribution to learning outside work through our Lifelong Learning Fund, free winter flu vaccination, and access to occupational health support.
We provide support to SFC employees with Volunteering Days. Support for travel to and from work, including a salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme, cycle storage and shower facilities, an interest‑free loan for bus or rail season tickets and free office car parking for employees on a first-come basis.
Although most salaried roles are advertised as full time positions (35 hours a week), we are happy to discuss part-time or compressed hours to suit a candidates circumstances. We also operate a flexible working scheme to work around a candidate’s other commitments such as caring responsibilities.
We will consider secondment applications for most salaried fixed‑term or temporary positions and in many cases also for salaried permanent positions. If you are interested in applying on a secondment basis and this option is not explicitly mentioned in the job advert, please contact for further information.
Senior HR Business Partner (Grade M1) in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Funding Council
As a Senior HR Business Partner at our organisation in Edinburgh, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming the public sector and enhancing the educational landscape in Scotland. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and robust professional development opportunities, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in shaping a future where your contributions make a meaningful impact on society while enjoying competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and a commitment to work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Business Partner (Grade M1) in Edinburgh
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Scottish Funding Council!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Scottish Funding Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Business Partner (Grade M1) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Scottish Funding Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Scottish Funding Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Scottish Funding Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Scottish Funding Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Funding Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Scottish Funding Council.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Scottish Funding Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Scottish Funding Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
